A riot involving thousands of Penn State football fans erupted last night at the announcement their long-term head coach Joe Paterno would be sacked with 'immediate effect' for his role in the sex scandal which has rocked the university.

The college's Board of Trustees also forced the resignation of president Graham Spanier after allegations that for years the school's former football defence coordinator Jerry Sandusky sexually abused young boys.

Mr Paterno, 84, had said he would retire at the end of the 2011 season but the trustees stepped in to tell the legendary coach he will never take charge of another game following the allegations of a cover up.

Assistant coach Tom Bradley has been named interim football coach while Penn State provost, Rodney Erickson will become interim president.

Scroll down for videos of the firings, the rioting, and Paterno on his doorstep

Waving to the crowd: Joe Paterno and his, wife, Susan, stand on their porch to thank supporters gathered outside their home after the football coach was sacked

Wreckage: The students clambered on top of the news van after flipping it over and pelting rocks at a fire truck which attempted to clean up the resulting oil spill